Pakistan’s recent acquisition of advanced military hardware from China, specifically:
J-35 stealth fighters: Up to 40 units, making Pakistan the first international operator of China’s fifth-generation stealth fighter. Deliveries are expected to begin in August 2025, with Pakistani pilots already in training in China.
KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft.
HQ-19 ballistic missile defense systems: Comparable to the US THAAD system, designed for high-altitude interception of ballistic missiles.
Speed of Acquisition: The rapid nature of the deal is attributed to the long-standing strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, China’s aggressive arms export strategy (especially for its first 5th-gen fighter export), Pakistan’s urgent modernization needs, a proven track record with Chinese systems, potential “discounted sales,” and pre-existing development and pilot training.
India’s Counter-Strategy: The acquisition poses a significant challenge to India’s regional air superiority. India is expected to respond by:
Accelerating its indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) fifth-generation fighter program.
Enhancing anti-stealth detection capabilities through VHF/UHF radars, Over-the-Horizon (OTH) radars, integrated air defense grids, and IRST systems.
Modernizing and expanding its existing air force assets (e.g., MRFA program, Tejas Mk-2, enhanced electronic warfare, long-range missiles).
Boosting its Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems (e.g., S-400, indigenous “Kusha”).
Pursuing strategic and diplomatic measures like technology partnerships and “Make in India” initiatives. It was affirmed that countering this is possible, as stealth is not invisibility, and a layered defense, numbers, training, and continuous R&D play crucial roles.
Implications for Other Countries and Geopolitics: The deal is seen as a strong precedent for other nations considering Chinese military purchases because:
It’s the first export of a 5th-gen fighter from China.
It offers advanced capabilities at a potentially lower price.
It provides a comprehensive package deal.
China is perceived as offering deals with fewer political conditionalities.
It allows for diversification of arms suppliers.
It serves China’s strategic interests in building influence. This deal signifies a deepening of the China-Pakistan “threshold alliance,” challenges Western arms hegemony, and reshapes regional and global power balances, contributing to a more multi-polar world. China’s growing role as a global security provider, impacting alliances and influencing the defense industrial base worldwide.